It’s always a good time of year for running, and Norfolk has some great areas to trot. If you’re simply running for fun and fitness, the city’s charming neighborhoods, Norfolk Botanical Garden or the Elizabeth River Trail provide some ideal pathways and scenic views. Once you feel ready to sign up for an event, we’ve got you covered. Here are some upcoming 5K, 10K and even half marathon events during Norfolk’s most enjoyable running seasons taking place in the city’s most unique neighborhoods. There’s even some shorter-distance trots for those young runners. So, gather the whole family or a great group of friends, and sign up for these 2023 Norfolk runs.
Step Up for The Up Center
May 11, 2024, 9 a.m. to Noon
This is the region’s only stair-climbing event held at Harbor Park Stadium in Downtown Norfolk. The Up Center is a local nonprofit fueling critical services for 10,000 children, families and people with disabilities across the region each year. Come climb the steps for this fun, timed event. Register here.
ADP Corporate 5K
June 18, 2024
This exclusive event for the Hampton Roads corporate community welcomes employees of any company to form a team and participate in the ADP Corporate 5K. After finishing an enjoyable 5K through Downtown Norfolk, participants can join a post-race office party complete with cold beverages, food, live music and more.
Big Blue 5K
August 10, 2024
Show your Monarch pride in this popular trot around Old Dominion University’s campus. A 5K kicks off the event, followed by a Kids’ 1K. The event concludes with a fabulous tailgate party featuring cold drinks, live music and food.
Elizabeth River Run 10K & Mile Races
September 22, 2024
The 45th annual Elizabeth River Run 10k
This is a 10k on a flat & fast point to point course starting at Old Dominion University, running around campus then heading North on the Elizabeth River Trail through gorgeous, historic tree-lined neighborhoods along the waterfront, over the Hampton Blvd Bridge with sweeping views of the Elizabeth and Lafayette Rivers and finishing in a verdant private park at the Port of Virginia.
For more information, visit https://elizabethrivertrail.org/ or learn more here.
Annual Ocean View Storm the Bay Race Series
October 14 – December 30, 2024
Head to Ocean View for a blissful fall run in Norfolk’s beloved beach community. Sign up for the Storm the Bay Half Marathon, Storm the Bay 5K Challenge or Storm the Bay 10K. There’s also a Mermaid Mile Fun Run for kids 12 and under. If you have what it takes, register for the OV-OG Challenge (the 5K and 10K back-to-back) or The Top Gun Challenge (the 5K and 10K back to back on Saturday, then the Half Marathon on Sunday).
Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon Weekend
November 23-24, 2024
Enjoy Norfolk’s Downtown, thriving art community, historic neighborhoods and ODU’s campus as you take on the 5K, 10K or Half Marathon. Keep an eye out for Norfolk’s iconic mermaids along the course as you experience this flat, fast course (Hint: There are more than 20 mermaids along the Half Marathon course!). Additional options for race weekend include the Get Nauti Challenge (a 5K on Saturday and the Half Marathon on Sunday) or the Nauti Lite Challenge (a 5K on Saturday and the 10K on Sunday). There’s also a Kids Mile for young runners.
Tacky Sweater 5K
December 2024: Date TBA
If you’re going to run in December, you might as well don a tacky sweater while doing it. This festive holiday run features a 5K run and walk. The event aims to raise awareness about melanoma and supports EVMS’ Dermatology and the Dermatology Student Group. The course begins and finishes in front of Smartmouth Brewing Co. in Chelsea, and much of the route is along the scenic Elizabeth River Trail. Afterward, there’s a tacky sweater competition and a post-race party at Smartmouth Brewing Co. with food, drinks, a live DJ, finisher medals, custom age group awards and more.
